kind implies the possession of sympathetic or generous qualities, either habitually or specifically, or is applied to actions manifesting these he is kind only to his mother, your kind remarks; kindly usually implies a characteristic nature or general disposition marked by such qualities his kindly old uncle; benign suggests a mild or kindly nature and is applied especially to a gracious superior a benign employer; benevolent implies a charitable or altruistic inclination to do good his benevolent interest in orphans